Buying Used: blinded by the price

When scouring the Internet for equipment bargains, a lack of information makes it hard to be sure which ones are legitimate and which ones are lemons in disguise. Since many machines posted for sale online do not come with a warranty, user manual, maintenance log or chain of custody documenting prior owners, eager shoppers considering auctions and plant liquidation sales need to recognize these as red flags before purchasing based on a price that seems too good to be true.  

This, according to Larry Stoma, design engineer for New Jersey based Witte Company, a manufacturer of drying, cooling, screening and related process equipment. Stoma says he has helped many companies recover from hasty used equipment purchases and offers these recommendations for evaluating conveyors, screeners, dewaterers, fluid bed dryers, coolers and other used or refurbished waste handling and recycling equipment.   

First, determine what the process needs then search online based on these needs. If the equipment would not solve the problem then any price is too high.  

Other considerations include:

• Know exactly what’s offered. If there’s any doubt about what is pictured or described then involve an engineer with experience in designing and operating similar equipment.

• Call the manufacturer with the serial number and ask for the original specifications for comparison to the equipment being offered for sale.

• Ask for manuals, training guides, maintenance logs and any other information that may be available. • Verify the dimensions and compare to the facility – including doorways.

• Understand that most warranties are non-transferrable and voided when the equipment is modified in the field.

• Know local regulations. For example, several U.S. states require baghouse dust collectors and have outlawed cyclones. Most secondhand equipment sellers are unlikely to be up to date on the regulatory environment in different states and provinces, or in different countries.  

Stoma says the Witte Company maintains an archive of original specifications for every system manufactured and provides their history, original duty and parts list to anyone considering buying used Witte equipment. The company also offers to print drawings and manuals and will personally inspect used equipment on-site before purchase.